Starting treatment today

Hi K

Look towards the positive, and fight this for your children and grandchild. You have a to give. I remember reading through the side effects but everyone reacts differently to the drugs.  And the unknown is always a bit scary, but knowing the support you got around you is enough to go on. I hope you have an easy treatment plan. During my chemo physical I’m more drained, I don’t have the energy or strength to do everything. But I’m ok with that. Emotionally, I get upset, angry, scared. And it’s only natural. But knowing we got support and the advanced medicine we have now a days I’m remaining hopeful. 

Thank you for your kind words x

Hi, so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’ve been on the same treatment as you for over 18 months so it is doable! The first few months emotionally were very difficult but it did get better once I’d got my head around it. I’ve done lots of travelling and enjoying life but it’s important to have rest days as well. Side effects were up and down but became unbearable after 12 months on the highest dose , Dioreah and fatigue being the worst but I reduced my dose (reluctantly) in November and it’s much better now. I had shrinkage to start with (my tumours are on my liver) and have been stable on the last few scans . I know this treatment will stop working for me probably in the next few months but I’ve been reassured that there’s many more treatments to come so I try to stay positive! I do have down days as well but I think that’s normal with our situation. Breast cancer now hold regular online and face to face catch ups with people in the same boat that may help. I tried that a few times which helped at the beginning but I just go now and again now if I feel I need support rather than it being in my face all the time. We’re all different though! Good luck with your treatment and lots of hugs . You can do this! xx

With work, I did reduced hours at home for about 9 months but then made a decision to take early retirement on medical grounds. I was lucky enough to get a good package but it was the best decision I made personally. I now have more time to rest and do nice things when feeling good rather than work! We’re all different though! Just checking you know about benefits as some people don’t . I claim PIP (which you can while still working) and now ESA as well as I’m not working. It just might help with decision making over work in the future as I was late claiming. Xx

I am 53 years old . 

Thank you - it’s good to hear from someone in the same boat. Not a boat either of us would have chosen sadly. I’m considering medical retirement but need the money from work too. I’m hoping to stay in Spain so not sure about any benefits I can apply for but will look into it. I’ve worked since I was 16 so not working will be a transition for me. 
I hear you about support groups. I’ve had to come off a Facebook group as I’m empathetic and taking on all that grief was too much. Sometimes I just don’t want to think about cancer.  I am going to be a grandma for the first time in August and that brings me joy. 

I’m sure you’ll work out what to do about work. Whereabouts in Spain are you? Do they provide the treatment ? I’m so jealous! I’d love to move there. Congratulations on being a soon to be grandma! That is something positive to focus on.  xx

I’m near Alicante, we have Spanish friends who are like family here. There’s a reciprocal agreement between UK and Spain for UK residents, so although I have to have private medical insurance and had the initial diagnosis that route. I’m now in the national health system and it’s very efficient. We love the culture here and of course the weather too, but I’m missing my friends in the UK especially now. 
One of our daughters gave up her job to look after mum, she works internationally so can pick it back up, the pregnant daughter is flying in today for a few days. So that’s wonderful. 
So far I’ve had a bit of a funny tummy and more tired than usual, but I’ll take that! 

Aww it sounds amazing. I would love it!  We wanted to retire abroad but it feels impossible now but you never know! I don’t think they would insure me after the event . Well you’re on the same treatment as me at Christie’s so they obviously know what they’re doing!! Seeing your daughter will be amazing . That’s good with the side effects . You may not get the dioreah as severe as me as everyone’s different . Think I just took too long to reduce the dose but I was scared it wouldn’t work. You have lots to look forward to . Sun sea and a grandchild on the way xx

I’m going to Nerja in 6 weeks, can’t wait! I book a holiday straight after a stable scan before the next one. Hoping to go back in June and then a concert in Berlin in July and then a hen party in Benidorm. Fingers crossed I’ll make them all. I managed 4 holidays abroad last year. Lisbon, Benidorm, Seville/Malaga and Venice! Also lots on mini breaks in the UK.